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2 Days 1 Night Private Whale Shark Trip

2 Days 1 Night Private Whale Shark Trip from Lombok to Sumbawa

Meet the Gentle Giants – Fully Private Car, Ferry & Boat Tour

Join our exclusive 2D1N private adventure from Lombok to Sumbawa to swim with wild whale sharks in the calm waters of Labuan Jambu. With all transport and accommodation arranged privately just for you, this trip is perfect for those looking for a short yet powerful marine experience — away from the crowds, close to nature, and filled with unforgettable moments.

Explore Sumbawa’s untouched charm, cross the sea by ferry, spend a night in a peaceful coastal village, and wake up early to snorkel with the world’s largest fish in their natural habitat.

How does the whale shark survive in Saleh Bay?

Whale sharks survive and thrive in Saleh Bay due to its unique status as a stable, year-round feeding ground supported by both natural conditions and traditional human activities.

1. Natural Feeding Ground and Nursery

Abundant Nutrients: The bay is a semi-enclosed body of water surrounded by extensive mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. These ecosystems provide a constant supply of organic materials that fuel high plankton productivity.
Ideal Habitat: Its relatively calm, sheltered waters protect young sharks from large open-sea waves and predators, making it a critical nursery ground for neonates (newborns) and juveniles.
Natural Diet: While they are known for surface feeding, satellite tagging in 2025 revealed that whale sharks in Saleh Bay also hunt naturally at depths of 20–100 meters, chasing fish larvae and zooplankton.

2. Interaction with Fishing Platforms (Bagans)

The “Bagan” Effect. Local fishermen use floating wooden platforms called bagans that use powerful lamps to attract anchovies and small shrimp (rebon) at night.
Morning Feast. At dawn, whale sharks gather around these platforms to eat the small fish and shrimp that slip through the nets or are discarded by fishermen.
Mutual Relationship. Fishermen traditionally view whale sharks as a good omen, believing their presence indicates a healthy catch. This has led to a respectful coexistence that now includes sustainable ecotourism.

Are whale sharks present in Saleh Bay at all times?

Whale sharks are present in Saleh Bay all year round, but sightings are not guaranteed on every trip due to variations in weather, sea conditions, and the fishermen’s schedules. The presence of the sharks is linked to the availability of small fish and plankton, which local fishermen attract with their bagan (fishing platforms) lights.

  • Best Season for Viewing. The prime season for the highest chance of encounters is between April and November. During these months, the seas are generally calmer, water visibility is better, and fishing activity is more consistent.
  • Off-Season Challenges. It is best to avoid visiting between January and March. During this period, the weather can be unpredictable with rougher seas and strong currents, which often prevent local fishermen from operating their platforms, thus reducing the number of whale sharks near the surface.

Trip Highlights for 2 Days Whale Shark

  • Private car transfers in Lombok & Sumbawa
  • Round-trip ferry tickets from Lombok to Sumbawa
  • Private boat to whale shark point (no shared group)
  • Snorkeling session with whale sharks
  • 1-night stay at a local homestay in Labuan Jambu
  • Local guide from Sumbawa
  • Breakfast on the boat + full-day adventure
  • All logistics arranged for you

Itinerary for 2 Days Whale Shark Trip

Day 1: Lombok → Sumbawa – Travel & Stay in Labuan Jambu
08:00 AM – Pick-up from your hotel anywhere in Lombok (Senggigi, Mataram, Kuta, etc.)

  • 10:00 AM – Board the public ferry from Kayangan Port to Pototano, Sumbawa
  • 12:00 PM – Arrive in Sumbawa, continue overland by private car
  • 12:30 – 06:00 PM – Scenic 5–6 hour drive through rural Sumbawa toward the north coast
  • Evening – Check-in at a homestay in Labuan Jambu, dinner (optional), rest early for next day’s adventure

Day 2: Whale Shark Experience – Return to Lombok

  • 04:00 AM – Depart from the homestay for the local harbor
  • 04:30 AM – Start private boat journey (~2 hours) to whale shark area
  • 06:30 – 08:30 AM – Snorkeling session with whale sharks + enjoy sunrise & breakfast on the boat
  • 09:30 AM – Return to Labuan Jambu homestay
  • 01:00 PM – Check out and start the long drive back to Pototano Port
  • 06:00 PM – Ferry crossing back to Lombok
  • 10:00 – 11:00 PM – Drop-off at your hotel in Lombok

What’s Included: 2 Days Whale Shark

  1. Private car with driver (Lombok & Sumbawa)
  2. Public ferry tickets (round-trip)
  3. Private boat charter for whale shark experience
  4. 1-night homestay accommodation (private room, fan or AC)
  5. Snorkeling gear (mask & snorkel)
  6. Light breakfast on the boat
  7. Drinking water
  8. Local guide assistance
  9. Entrance and conservation fees

What to Bring

  • Swimwear & towel
  • Jacket or warm layer (early morning boat ride is cold)
  • Dry change of clothes
  • Power bank & flashlight
  • Personal medicine
  • Sunscreen (reef-safe)
  • Snacks or drinks for the long road trip

Private Trip Prices – All-inclusive, private only – no shared groups

  • US $425 Per person; Minimum of 2 people to book this tour
  • US$375 per person, Minimum of 3-4 people to book this tour
  • US$350 per person, minimum, and up to 5 people to book this tour

Why This Trip is Special

  1. Once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim with wild whale sharks
  2. Sunrise at sea while having breakfast on your own private boat
  3. Adventure across islands with a ferry, a car, and a boat in one short trip
  4. Local experience – stay in a real Sumbawanese coastal village
  5. Private, peaceful & powerful

How to book 2 Days Whale Shark trip?

  1. You can email or WhatsApp them to book the trips and check the available dates.
  2. Send a copy of your passport. Required for booking and National Park registration.
  3. You will receive a confirmation by WhatsApp or email for your booking.
  4. Secure your tour booking by depositing it into our PayPal or bank account.
  5. You need to pay the balance in cash upon arrival.
  6. Book your hotel at the free pick-up area.

Term of Payment – 2 Days Whale Shark trip

  • You can make a deposit payment using our bank account or PayPal.
  • We are not responsible for any taxes.
  • You must pay the balance in cash upon arrival.

Cancellation policy:

  • A full refund for cancellations made up to 7 days.
  • A 50% charge applies for cancellations within 5 days.
  • A full charge is applicable for cancellations within 48 hours.
  • We are not responsible for flight or luggage delays.

Price

Hæ! We’re Sumbawa Whale Shark Tours

For 40 years, we’ve been putting together awesome Iceland vacations. And we can do the same for you. We’ll organize your accommodation, local transport, and a detailed itinerary. So you can focus on what’s important: getting excited about your trip!

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